South Carolina QB Brandon McIlwain to continue with baseball team in 2017

Brandon McIlwain came to South Carolina as a two-sport athlete. After nearly a year in Columbia, it’s looking like that will remain the same.

The Gamecocks freshman quarterback arrived at South Carolina last January, and split time between baseball and football duties. That will be the plan in year two as well.

“He’s preparing to be with us,” baseball coach Chad Holbrook said, according to The State’s Dwayne McLemore. “He’s excited about playing baseball here. He needs to get over here in January once football is over. He has the talent and ability to play and be a big factor on our team.”

McIlwain played in eight games with the Gamecocks baseball team last season while also spending time with the football team. He collected one hit and an RBI in 10 at-bats in 2015.

On the football side of things, the freshman quarterback has appeared in seven games, making three starts for the Gamecocks this season. He’s completed 52.3 percent of his 107 pass attempts for 567 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. McIlwain has also added 114 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

He has since been replaced by fellow freshman Jake Bentley, who is 3-0 as South Carolina’s starter.